More and more Leonard Cohen seems to resemble the Dalai Lama, both in bearing and spirit. Perhaps this is because the singer and Canadian poet (Montreal, 1934) did retire to a monastery in California in 1993. On Wednesday he arrived in Madrid, from Paris before leaving for Berlin and London, in a tour that his record company calls a "pre-promotion." The gift that he brings is his anticipated official album, whose title, by the way, does not turn the head. It is called Ten New Songs (Sony), and includes ten new songs. But do not run to buy it: the world-wide release is scheduled for October 16.

In a regal Madrilenian hotel, the record company organized what the English call a "meet and greet." They describe this meeting and greeting as including: the star, carefully watched by his manager except when he goes to the washroom, appearing in the room for a quarter of an hour with twenty who are chosen to approach him, shake hands, express their greetings and eternal gratitude, ask for an autograph and finish with a photograph with him.

Cohen was late for his formal appearance, his hair cut short and greying, elegant in his dark suit and smiling beautifully and accompanied by the beautiful Sharon Robinson - "his right hand in Ten New Songs" - and sound engineer Leanne Ungar.

"He is charming, a love"

The guests shake, some knees tremble upon approaching the star, who provides each a kind word. "Isn't he a love, he is absolutely charming," sighs someone. Cohen, lover of the alcoholic spirits, this time decides on a juice. The Vanguardia takes this opportunity to ask whether he will come to Spain to perform. "I hope to next year," he whispers. But the minutes fly by and when all have obtained their photo and a story to tell their grandchildren, he disappears. Subsequently, in an exclusive, half the songs from the record are played: "In My Secret Life," "Here It Is," "Alexandra Leaving," "You Have Loved Enough" and "Boogie Street." Five examples that Cohen continues the spirit of his previous albums: beautiful and sad songs for solitary souls and broken hearts at the end of the night.